Aston Villa crowned in the Europa League thanks to Emery
Fréderic Manet · 21 mai 2026 · 2 min de lecture
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Aston Villa, the English club, lifted their first European trophy since 1982. Under the guidance of Unai Emery, the Villans defeated SC Freiburg (2-1) on Wednesday evening in Bilbao, Spain, to claim the Europa League title. The Spanish manager, already a four-time winner of the competition, has added another line to his already impressive resume. In the 38th minute, Villa supporters had reason to celebrate the opening goal. Ollie Watkins capitalized on a cross from Leon Bailey to beat the German goalkeeper. The match then intensified, with Freiburg equalizing in the 75th minute through a goal by Maximilian Eggestein. However, in stoppage time, John McGinn sealed victory for his team with a powerful strike from inside the box. The stadium erupted under torrential rain. This victory marks a turning point for Aston Villa, confirming their rise on the European stage. The club, accustomed to top finishes in the Premier League, has now proven it can compete with Europe’s best in continental competition. The team’s recent performances, including in the Champions League, suggest an even brighter future ahead. With this triumph, Emery becomes the first manager to win the Europa League five times, a record that further cements his legendary status. Observers are already speculating about his next challenges, as rumors of a move to a more prestigious club grow louder. One thing is certain: the Spaniard has left an indelible mark on European football.